Navigating Codespace: A New Direction for Spatial Cognition Research

Spatial cognition has been well examined using various psychological perspectives. Here we suggest that this previous research can be utilized to generate testable hypotheses pertaining to the navigation of computer sourcecode. In our model, code represents an abstract space that must be navigated using the same cognitive strategies as for natural environments. Thus, when navigating ‘codespace’ computer programmers face many of the same challenges as people navigating within the real world, and consequently, will likely rely on similar strategies. Based on this observation, we present ten examples of studies that provide directives for future research. These examples are derived from the application of psychological spatial ability research to computer science.